Brittany Harris writes the Canadian Prime Minister on the Appointment of Mr. Clayton Fernander; The Bahamas Consul General to Canada

I wrote the Mark Carney Prime Minister of Canada 🇨🇦and the Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

Dear Prime Minister,

I am writing as a concerned member of the public to respectfully request that the Government of Canada undertake an appropriate review and investigation into the appointment and presence in Canada of Mr. Clayton Fernander, former Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who is currently serving as Consul General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in Canada.

This request is made in the interest of transparency, public confidence, and the integrity of Canada’s diplomatic and national security standards.

Mr. Fernander resigned from his position as Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force in December 2024.  His resignation followed significant public controversy surrounding serious criminal matters that arose under his leadership and are now before the courts.

During Mr. Fernander’s tenure as Commissioner, the following documented and factual events occurred:

- United States federal indictments were issued against senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force for drug and firearms trafficking, with those officers arrested and prosecuted in New York.  These matters are before the United States courts and occurred while Mr. Fernander was Commissioner.

- Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson, then head of the Criminal Investigations Unit, was removed from his position following the public release of voice recordings involving the bribery of a known criminal figure connected to a million-dollar armoured truck robbery.  This matter is also before the courts.

- The killing of Mr. Azario Major, an unarmed Bahamian man who was shot and killed by police officers.  This incident has been the subject of public inquiry, judicial proceedings, and documentary examination, and has significantly impacted public trust in law enforcement leadership during that period.

In addition to the above, I wish to clearly distinguish the following as allegations, which I respectfully ask Canadian authorities to independently assess:

- There have long been allegations within Bahamian and Canadian law-enforcement and community circles regarding a close relationship between Mr. Fernander and Daran Neely, also known as “Monster,” an alleged gang leader associated with the so-called “Dirty South Gang.”

- This gang has been linked to violent criminal activity, including a serious robbery-murder in Windsor, Ontario, involving Bahamian nationals.

- It has been alleged that Mr. Neely benefited from protection during Mr. Fernander’s tenure as Commissioner.  Following Mr. Fernander’s resignation, that protection allegedly ceased, and Mr. Neely was later killed.  These points are presented strictly as allegations for the purpose of requesting independent review.

It is also a matter of public record that Mr. Fernander maintains a close personal relationship with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Right Honourable Philip Edward Davis.  Despite Mr. Fernander’s resignation amid public outcry and ongoing court matters involving senior officers under his leadership, he was subsequently appointed to a senior diplomatic post in Canada.

In light of the seriousness of these facts and concerns, I respectfully request:

1. A review of the vetting and acceptance process that led to Mr. Fernander’s appointment as Consul General in Canada.

2. An assessment by appropriate Canadian authorities of whether his presence and role are consistent with Canada’s standards for diplomatic engagement, public safety, and the rule of law.

3. That relevant national security, law-enforcement, and foreign-affairs agencies be permitted to independently examine the court records, indictments, and public materials related to the above matters.

This letter does not seek to assert guilt, but rather to request due diligence, accountability, and transparency.  Canada’s reputation for upholding democratic values and the rule of law makes such a review both reasonable and necessary.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust this matter will receive the seriousness it warrants.

Respectfully,

Brittany Harris  

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Source / Comment

It's Every Bahamian Duty to Keep The Bahamas Safe

Bahamians Demand and Deserve a Safer Bahamas

Dr. Duane Sands, Chairman of The Free National Movement: The Duty to Keep Bahamians Safe Endures

Last year’s reduction in murders is welcome news in a country that has felt the heavy toll of violent crime.  Any reduction in murder matters, and every life saved matters.  But no Bahamian believes that a single statistic means the work is done.

We can acknowledge progress and still be clear-eyed about reality.  Bahamians want to feel safe walking home, sending their children to school, and going about their daily lives without fear.  That remains the standard by which success must be measured.

A decline in murders, while important, does not on its own mean we have a safer society.  Crime trends can shift quickly if the underlying system remains weak.

Even the Minister of National Security has acknowledged the need to study where crimes occur, when they occur, and who is affected.  That analysis must lead to action because public safety is built on execution, not explanations.

What Bahamians are asking for now is clarity and follow-through: clear priorities, clear timelines, and clear results.  Too often, crime plans are announced but not fully delivered, leaving communities frustrated and victims underserved.

That is why the Free National Movement has put forward a comprehensive 10-point plan to address crime.  Our plan is not a slogan and not a copy.

It is a correction, and focuses on tougher, smarter policing, faster justice, and a public health approach that works to prevent violence before it spreads.  It calls for stronger enforcement against gangs and illegal firearms, improved intelligence-led policing, modern forensic capacity, and real accountability across the justice system.

Any serious crime strategy must also confront sexual violence head-on.  Reported sexual offences continue to rise, disproportionately affecting women and children.  Protecting them must be central to national security.

Laws alone are not enough.  Survivors must be supported, believed, and protected, and cases must move quickly through the system.  The continued absence of a national forensic lab, leaving victims waiting months for DNA testing, is unacceptable.

Public confidence also depends on capacity.  Visible policing, adequate manpower, modern tools, and an efficient court system are essential if gains are to be sustained.  Without them, progress risks being temporary.

Bahamians do not want a victory lap.  They want solutions.  If murders are trending down, that is a positive step.  But safety cannot be seasonal, and it cannot depend on short-term measures.  The duty to keep Bahamians safe endures, and it demands serious leadership, real investment, and decisive action.

A National Agenda for The Bahamas

Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum

“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”

By Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena

Nassau, The Bahamas

“The price of greatness is responsibility.” — Winston Churchill

The Bahamian drums are beating, the cowbells are ringing into 2026.  The year 2026 represents more than another election cycle; it is a national crossroads.

As Bahamians often say, when “the fat lady sings and gives you the price of the fish,” the debate ends, and reality begins—someone must govern.  The true challenge is not only who wins, but what agenda will guide the nation forward.  While elections bring speeches and promises, words alone do not deliver progress.  The country now requires a people-centered agenda rooted in discipline, accountability, and long-term development.

Reducing the national debt must be a top priority.  High debt limits investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services.

As Warren Buffett once said, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”  The government must commit to transparent budgeting, responsible borrowing, and improved tax collection.

Auditing government programs, prioritizing high-impact projects, and leveraging public-private partnerships are essential steps toward fiscal sustainability and ensuring every dollar borrowed produces measurable value for the nation.

Crime remains one of the most urgent challenges facing The Bahamas.  It threatens public safety, tourism, investment, and social confidence.

Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach including intelligence-led policing, strengthened border security, judicial reform to reduce court backlogs, community policing, youth intervention programs, and rehabilitation services.  As Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “The safety of the people shall be the highest law.”  Treating crime as both a social and security issue ensures safer communities and stronger national cohesion.

A National Service Programme could further strengthen the nation by promoting discipline, civic responsibility, and workforce readiness among young Bahamians.  Participants could serve in disaster response, healthcare, environmental protection, agriculture, technical trades, and community safety.  Mahatma Gandhi wisely noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  Beyond providing skills, the program would reduce youth unemployment, foster civic pride, and build social unity.

Education reform is central to national development.  Priorities include early childhood education, teacher training, curriculum updates, and accountability measures.  Nelson Mandela emphasized, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  A literate, skilled population drives productivity, innovation, and economic competitiveness, laying the foundation for sustained national growth.

Preparing Bahamians for the digital economy is equally vital.  Integrating coding, robotics, AI, and digital entrepreneurship into schools equips students for modern careers and entrepreneurship.  Bill Gates observed, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it.”  Partnering with tech firms, universities, and online platforms can provide mentorship and access to advanced resources, ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Public health and wellness must also be prioritized.  The Bahamas faces challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Preventive healthcare, nutrition education, community fitness initiatives, and mental health services are critical.  Gandhi reminded us, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”  A healthier population reduces healthcare costs, improves productivity, and enhances quality of life.

Economic empowerment requires land reform and effective land management.  Clear land titles, efficient approvals, and transparent administration encourage investment, reduce disputes, and support sustainable development, particularly in the Family Islands.  Aristotle once said, “Land is the basis of all wealth.”

An efficient and accountable public sector is essential.  Digitization, performance-based management, retraining programs, and rationalizing structures improve service delivery.  As Peter Drucker stated, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”  These reforms ensure taxpayers receive value while government operations remain sustainable.

Raising the minimum wage addresses rising living costs and improves social equity.  Franklin D. Roosevelt’s principle, “A fair wage for a fair day’s work,” reflects the importance of fair pay in improving living standards, stimulating domestic consumption, and reducing inequality.

Supporting Bahamian investors and entrepreneurs strengthens local ownership and economic resilience.  Simplifying investor registration, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, offering tax incentives, and providing mentorship foster innovation and job creation.  As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  A thriving business sector reduces dependence on foreign investment and drives national prosperity.

Economic diversification is critical to reduce vulnerability.  While tourism remains important, expansion into financial services, captive insurance, renewable energy, agriculture, digital services, and the creative economy is necessary.  Miguel de Cervantes’ wisdom, “Do not put all your eggs in one basket,” highlights the need for multiple growth sectors to ensure stability and opportunity.

Affordable housing and cost-of-living relief remain urgent.  Government-subsidized programs, construction incentives, and policy reforms ensure working families can afford safe homes.  As an unknown author noted, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

Modern infrastructure drives national development.  Roads, bridges, ports, airports, inter-island transportation, and broadband connectivity enhance trade, mobility, and quality of life.  Lily Tomlin’s observation, “The road to success is always under construction,” underscores the ongoing need for investment in infrastructure.

Climate resilience and disaster preparedness are essential.  As a small island nation, The Bahamas is highly vulnerable to climate change.  Coastal protection, flood mitigation, resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and community awareness safeguard lives and property.  The Native American proverb reminds us, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Finally, good governance and anti-corruption measures underpin national success.  Transparency, accountability, and strong institutions ensure public trust.  Kofi Annan stated, “Good governance is less about structure and more about behavior.”  Ethical leadership and citizen oversight are critical for maintaining confidence and ensuring fair use of national resources.

Countries such as Singapore demonstrate that discipline, efficiency, education, and long-term planning can transform a nation.  While The Bahamas cannot replicate another nation entirely, adopting these principles can guide national development and sustainable growth.

As 2026 approaches, the national agenda must move beyond promises and focus on execution, accountability, and measurable results.  Addressing crime, debt, education, health, wages, investment, and national service is essential to securing the future of The Bahamas.

A Christmas Message to the Bahamian People: As the year ends, warm wishes go out to the people of The Bahamas.  May this season bring peace, reflection, and renewed hope. Merry Christmas, and may the coming year bring unity, progress, and national renewal.

December 20, 2025

Source / Comment

Rick Fox is not hiding in The Bahamas

The Future of The Bahamas

Bahamians Deserve More Than Silence

Many have asked: Which party are you joining  None.  Not yet.

Not because I'm undecided but because silence is still masquerading as governance.

People Are Worried

An estimated 350,000 Haitian nationals face the termination of Temporary Protected Status in the United States in the coming months.

People are already worried. They're just afraid to ask.

When decisions of that scale are announced, nations in the region have a right to ask what preparedness looks like.  Not because panic is inevitable, but because planning is responsible.

What does the US Government know that they aren't telling us?

What does The Bahamas Government know that they haven't shared?

Why the rush?  Why the silence?  What's coming?

These questions don't undermine national security.  They strengthen public trust.

Urgency Without Explanation Breeds Distrust.

Last week, Parliament passed a Smuggling of Migrants Act at lightning speed.

Urgency?  Absolutely. Sovereignty matters. Preparedness matters.  But transparency matters too.

We are a nation of 400,000 citizens.  What happens when 350,000 asylum seekers need a place to go?  When does enforcement begin?  What are the routes?  What guarantees that The Bahamas won't become a spillover zone?

What troubled many Bahamians - was not that action was taken, but that it was taken with minimal public briefing, no visible capacity assessment, and little dialogue about downstream impact.

When governments move quickly but refuse to explain their thinking, citizens have every right to ask why.  That silence doesn't calm people.  It unsettles them.

The Pattern Is Repeated With Our Elections.

This same silence appears again most troublingly in how we approach our elections.

Since the by-election, I have asked every party the same questions.  We are still waiting.

Will you commit to a National Day of Voting so no Bahamian has to choose between democracy and survival?

Will you increase transparency in ballot handling and counting so trust is earned, not demanded?

Will you guarantee secret, secure, verified votes?  One person, one vote, one time.

Will you commit to addressing these issues before calling the next general election?

These aren't partisan requests.

They are baseline requirements for trust.

What is concerning is not disagreement on their part, it is refusal to even engage -  on borders and on ballots.   On what matters most their silence can no longer be the answer.

Why I Haven't Chosen a Party?

I won't offer loyalty to a system that treats transparency as a threat.  I won't choose sides when neither side is willing to state its position.

This is not avoidance - it is accountability.

I have been open about my interest in serving.  I have been honest about my questions, my values, and the seriousness with which I am approaching this moment.

I am not hiding.  I am listening.  I am learning.

And I am doing this the way I have approached every arena I've competed in sports, business, entertainment:

Be open. Be honest.  Be inquisitive.  Be willing to learn how to win without losing your principles.

A New Path Forward

Today, I am launching The Bahamas Future Movement.  Not a political party.  A civic platform - nonpartisan and uncompromising.

One mission: forcing transparency where silence has taken hold.

We will:

1. Give Bahamians a voice loud enough to be heard

2. Hold every party accountable before votes are cast

3. Make transparency the price of seeking power

I am investing one million dollars of my own money to build this movement.

No donors and no strings; accountable only to the Bahamian people.

The Challenge

To every political party and leader:

Tell us where you stand on election integrity.

Tell us your plan for border preparedness.

Tell us what you know and what you don't.

Publicly - clearly and now.

The moment any party answers these questions in good faith, I will listen and I will engage.  I will work together for the future of our country.

When I do choose, it will be where transparency has the best chance to lead.

Until then, I stand with the people demanding answers not with a system that hides behind silence.

Join Us

If you are ready to serve, to ask hard questions, and to help build a future rooted in trust join us.

Our leaders can break their silence, or citizens will build something strong enough that silence no longer works.

The Bahamas Future Movement Starts Now

https://www.bahamasfuturemovement.com

Source / Comment

The Bahamas Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs L. Ryan Pinder, KC on the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025

The purpose of the Smuggling of Migrants Bill 2005 is not to change who is allowed to stay in The Bahamas.  Its purpose is to give us sharper tools to go after the criminal smugglers who profit from exploiting desperate people and who add to the number of people in our country, The Bahamas - without a legal right to be here...

 

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs L. Ryan Pinder, KC

Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025

4 December 2025

 

 

As many of you know, several weeks ago, on October 15th, a bill to strengthen our country’s fight against human smuggling was tabled in the House of Assembly.

The proposed legislation has been publicly available online since it was tabled, as is standard for this administration.

With the bill due to be debated in the coming days, discussion regarding the legislation has increased, and we thought it might be helpful, in advance of the debate, to provide Bahamians with information about the changes proposed in the bill, as well as the context and rationales for those changes.

The clear and unequivocal goal of the bill is to reduce human smuggling activity in our country and to thereby reduce the number of migrants in The Bahamas, by criminalizing and increasing penalties for a wide range of activities associated with smuggling.

Migrant smuggling is a heinous crime that exposes vulnerable individuals to deception, abuse, and dangerous conditions.  Without a strong legal framework, criminal networks and enterprises operate with impunity, placing lives at risk and undermining our national security.  The Bill strengthens our ability to hold smugglers accountable as it introduces stiff penalties for those who would exploit the vulnerable for profit.

Under the new law:

...if you procure false documents for migrants;

...if you assist with their entry into our country;

...if you help them pass through our country;

...if your boat or plane is used to transport them;

....if you hide them;

....if you help them stay here;

...if you facilitate or benefit from human smuggling in any way...

...you will be more likely to face prosecution and more likely to suffer significantly harsher consequences.

Every individual who seeks to profit from human suffering and smuggling - while endangering our country and our people - should know that the odds that engaging in the smuggling business will ruin their lives are about to increase dramatically.  New penalties include fines of $300,000 and prison sentences of 15 years.

Until now, prosecutors pursuing smuggling charges have been forced to patch together different provisions from the Penal Code and from Customs and Immigrations laws – the new law closes gaps and loopholes and provides a clearer and more robust set of rules to establish illegality and to increase punishment.

Strengthening and updating the tools we use to better fight criminal networks is something we’ve had to do nearly continually throughout our history.

Our country occupies not only the most beautiful stretch of ocean in the world, but one of the most strategic – for at least five hundred years, these hundreds of thousands of square miles of waters have included vital shipping routes, linking peoples and nations and empires.  The same geography that makes us a critical corridor for legitimate trade and travel has also made us vulnerable to illicit activity.

With more than 700 islands and cays, and hundreds of thousands of miles of territory – but a small population, with limited resources – surveillance and enforcement have long been a challenge.

But all Bahamians should know that we have made historic progress in recent years, under the Prime Minister’s leadership -- he has prioritized substantial investments in new technology, in surveillance and enforcement assets, in robust recruitment and professional training, and in strengthening critical partnerships.

I note that the Prime Minister has skillfully strengthened our strategic and operational partnerships while still standing up for our sovereignty; at the 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, he resisted considerable pressure to sign a declaration that 20 countries in our region did sign, because he insisted our country could not bear the burden of accepting migrants or refugees.

The progress we’re making now is the result of great effort and coordinated collaboration.  The Commodore, and the Commissioner, and the men and women they lead, have made the most of their expanded capabilities, and significantly strengthened our borders – we have seen, for example, a dramatic increase in the apprehension of smugglers and migrants before they make landfall.  It is notable that our gains have come even as economic, political, and humanitarian crises in Haiti, Cuba, and Venezuela have led, in recent years, to an extraordinary number of their citizens attempting to flee, with many attempting to reach the United States via our waters.

This brings us to another critical reason for the new bill – the new bill improves our capacity to partner with the Trump Administration and the United States, and with other regional partners, including:

• New ways (via Protocol) to share information quickly about smugglers and suspicious boats;

• Clear legal authority for our officers to work with partners at sea, including on foreign-flag boats;

• And - guidance for how our Defence Force and Police can safely stop, check, and even take control of boats when smuggling is suspected – even outside our own waters, in some circumstances.

The passage of this Bill will put us among respected international partners, like the United States and other nations, who recognize the urgency of addressing the crime collectively and responsibly, and will strengthen both our national response and our global partnerships and standing in the world.

Smugglers work across borders, so law enforcement has to as well – the new law makes it easier to team up, share evidence, and run joint patrols with our partners.

As I conclude, I want to address some concerns that have been raised.

I know some Bahamians are asking – what does this mean for our country?  Are the rights of migrants changing?  These are fair questions, that deserve clear answers.

The bill we tabled did not give migrants any new right to enter The Bahamas, to remain in The Bahamas, or to receive any legal status in The Bahamas.  It did not take away any power that we have under the Immigration Act to arrest, detain, charge, or remove people who are here in breach of our laws.

The purpose of the bill is not to change who is allowed to stay.  Its purpose is to give us sharper tools to go after the criminal smugglers who profit from exploiting desperate people and who add to the number of people in our country without a legal right to be here.

The bill does make clear that migrants should not be treated as smugglers under this law, just because they are on the same boat.  Without more evidence, we would not charge the migrant with smuggling.

But they can still be detained, charged with immigration offences, and deported in accordance with our existing immigration laws.  Nothing in the bill removes or weakens those powers.

The bill says that migrants are entitled to humane treatment – entitled to safety, dignity, and nonrefoulement—which means not sending people directly back into serious harm.  This has caused some people to ask whether new “rights” are being created.

That is not the case.  To reiterate - these provisions do not give anyone a right to be granted status or to remain in The Bahamas.

What they do is say that when we intercept a vessel or process a group of migrants, our officers must ensure:

• that people are not subjected to inhumane or degrading treatment;

• that vulnerable persons—such as children, pregnant women, and people with serious medical needs—are identified and handled with care; and

• that returns and repatriations are carried out in an orderly and safe manner.

This is not about changing who can stay.  It is about how our officers conduct themselves while enforcing the law.

We can enforce our laws without abandoning our basic humanity on the high seas or in our detention facilities.  That balance is not new; it has been the practice of our Defence Force for years.

The legal guidance we received is that this articulation of how migrants should be treated, which is consistent with obligations that already exist, does not grant any new rights or entitlements.  But we understand that the concerns that it does are sincere.

This is not difficult to address.  We intend to amend the bill to remove any ambiguity or uncertainty on the point.

We all pray that conditions in other countries improve, and that the flow of migrants slows – but while we pray for the best outcome, we prepare for the worst, and that includes not only expanding our technical and resource capacity but strengthening our laws so we can better prosecute and punish those participating or assisting in any way with the terrible crimes associated with human smuggling.

The bill provides stronger tools for law enforcement, and harsher punishment for criminals – if you want fewer people in our country illegally, you will want to support this bill.

Growing Suspicion and National Doubt over The Bahamas Government Smuggling of Migrants Bill

 

Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas - Put that Smuggling of Migrants Bill on Hold!

HOLD THE BILL!!!

There are some questions emanating from the press release issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in relation to the intention of the Government to debate and pass the "Smuggling of Migrants Bill".

In its own press statement the Government is quoted as saying, "The clause being circulated by Mr Bain deals with smuggled migrants as victims and witnesses of this crime.  It simply prevents a victim from being charged under this new anti-smuggling law for acts that arise directly from being smuggled, such as illegal entry of possession of a fraudulent document supplied by the smuggler".

There are a number of questions that begs a clear and concise answer considering that someone being smuggled may not to be the same as a person being trafficked.  According to The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR )"Human smuggling is when people called smugglers (sometimes referred to as "Coyotes"), help persons cross borders irregularly, typically with their consent, in return for money or other material benefit:

The UNHCR further defines Human Trafficking as the exploitation of people for profit such as forced labor or sexual exploitation".

So the Government needs to explain how can smuggled migrants qualify as victims and witnesses - as well as for short term humanitarian care, if by the UNHCR definition these individuals are typlically smuggled with "their"consent and usually by paying the smuggler money or by other material means?

So this begs the question, if the individuals being smuggled do not fall under the category as persons being kidnapped and trafficked to engage in forced labor and or for sexual exploitation, how do these individuals end up in a proposed Smuggling and Migrants bill in the Commonwealrh of The Bahamas as "Victims" and not "Criminals?

How will the Government determine from a boat or plane load of migrants who qualifies as smuggled persons (someone who paid to be brought to The Bahamas illegally) from trafficked persons (someone kidnapped and forced against their will)?

If the purpose of this bill is designed to put teeth into the law to punish smugglers, it cannot at the same time serve to exonrate those being smuggled as victims and witnesses, shielded from arrest and prosecution.  The probability is that both smuggled migrants and smuggler are on the same vessel for the same purpose.

The general understanding with these kinds of smuggling operations is the individuals desiring to be smuggled to a destination illegally, "pay" a smuggler to smuggle them to said destination.  This would mean that smuggled individuals are not victims, as nothing was done to them nor were they forced to make the journey.  Second the smuggled migrant is indeed a witnesses but a witnesses to a crime and a crime that they are more than likely an accessory to.

There appears to be a section in the bill under the heading "Immunity from prosecution of smuggled migrants" - that says in part "A smuggled migrant cannot be liable to criminal prosecution under this Act in respects of

(A) illegal entry into the receiving country

(B) remaining illegally in the receiving country or transit country or

(C) possessing a fraudulent or identity document

It would be important for the Government to confirm if the above is true and what is their true intent when it comes to these smuggled migrants.  There are many more questions.  I was informed that it was the intent of the Government to debate and pass this bill today, Wednesday December 3rd 2025 or by tomorrow Thursday December 4th 2025.

I would strongly recommend Director of Communications Latrae Rahming encourage the Government to put the brakes on debating and passing this bill until there can be wide spread national consultation and input by the Bahamian people including members of the legal fraternity, the Church and Civil Society.  I was just sent a copy of the bill and like many Bahamians, I have not had sufficient time to read it and I suspect neither have many other citizens.

Bills are comprised of serious legal language and the wrong language used in a bill could result in a wrong or devastating outcome.  Bills tabled in the House of Assembly usually become the law of the land and so every bill should include the correct language, which should be very clear.  However from the looks of things so far, this particular bill doesn't appear to be very clear and could open the door to suspicion and national doubtsuspicion and national doubt.  Just my thoughts.

Kevin Harris 

Wednesday December 3rd 2025

Source / Comment

Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas: ABOUT THE SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS BILL

Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas - STATEMENT ON FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT THE SMUGGLING OF MIGRANTS BILL

This is the first time that a Government of The Bahamas is putting a clear, stand alone crime of migrant smuggling into our law.  At present, our Penal Code does not give prosecutors a direct charge for smuggling of migrants.  They must piece together charges under the Penal Code and the Customs and Immigration Acts, which leaves much of the behaviour and methods used by smugglers outside the reach of the courts.

This Bill closes that gap and gives prosecutors and enforcement agencies a strong, modern legal tool to fight the smuggling of migrants and, with it, illegal immigration.

Against this background, the Government of The Bahamas rejects the false and reckless claims being made by Lincoln Bain about the Smuggling of Migrants Bill, 2025.  His comments mislead Bahamians about what the Bill actually does and create unnecessary fear about the safety of our borders.

The Bill leaves the Immigration Act fully in place.  Illegal landing, overstaying and related breaches of immigration law remain criminal offences.  Immigration officers keep their full authority to detain, process and remove people who enter or remain in The Bahamas in breach of our laws.

The purpose of the Bill is to go after the criminal networks that organise and profit from moving people illegally across borders.  Under section 5, a person who commits the offence of smuggling migrants is, on summary conviction, liable to a fine up to S100,000 or imprisonment up to seven years, or both.

On conviction on information, that person is liable to a fine up to $200,000 - imprisonment up to ten years, or both.  Where the smuggling involves aggravated conduct such as endangering life, violence, exploitation, abuse or similar acts, section 5(5) increases the penalties.

In such aggravated cases, on summary conviction the court may impose a fine up to $250,000 or imprisonment up to seven years, or both.  On conviction on information the court may impose a fine up to $300,000 or imprisonment up to fifteen years, or both.

In addition, where the offender owns the aircraft, vessel or vehicle used in the crime, that asset is liable to seizure and forfeiture and the court may impose a further fine up to three thousand dollars for each migrant smuggled.

The clause being circulated by Mr. Bain deals with smuggled migrants as victims and witnesses of this crime.  It simply prevents a victim from being charged under this new anti-smuggling law for acts that arise directly from being smuggled, such as illegal entry or possession of a fraudulent document supplied by the smuggler.

Immigration authorities remain free to act under the Immigration Act, including detention and removal.  There is no wording in the Bill that grants permanent residence, citizenship, or any fast-track to Bahamian status.

The Bill requires only basic, short-term humanitarian care for people in state custody, such as food, shelter and urgent medical attention.  That standard reflects our Constitution, our Christian faith and our international obligations.

It does not create long-term welfare benefits and it does not interfere with removal procedures.

Irregular migration and border control demand serious, honest leadership.  The Government of The Bahamas remains firmly committed to strong borders, tough penalties for smugglers and humane treatment of every person in our custody.

Bahamians can be confident that the Smuggling of Migrants Bill strengthens national security and gives our law enforcement officers stronger tools to break the smuggling networks that threaten our country.

December 2, 2025

Commonwealth of The Bahamas